Ridley youth clubs look to retain ordinance for fields

RIDLEY TOWNSHIP  If officials from 10 youth athletic clubs have their way, the township commissioners will keep the 1991 ordinance banning the use of sports fields in the township by profit-making organizations, religious or political groups.

The athletic club speakers at the commissioners recent meeting were referring to a decision by the commissioners to allow the Ridley Township Democratic organization to have a picnic at the Ridley Township Municipal Park after the American Civil Liberties Union said it would take legal action if the permit to use the park was not issued to the Democrates. In the wake of the ACLU threat, the commissioners, on the advice of several lawyers, granted the permit and will revise the ordinance. Bob Willert, president of the board of commissioners, said the commissioners did not want to spend tax payers money to fight a legal challenge to the ordinance.

One after another the athletic club speakers said there is already a shortage of field time for the various sports activities in the township with more than 10 youth organizations. They noted that fall baseball and softball are competing with football and soccer for field space, while spring soccer is competing with lacrosse and baseball. They contend that in older developed communities like Ridley, space for recreation is at a premium.

We need the fields for the kids, said Mickey McLaughlin of the Nall Athletic Association.

Willert pointed out that both Republican State Representatives Joe Hackett and Nick Miccarelli were also denied the use of the township recreational facilities for their events.

We agree with you 100 percent, Willert told the athletic association officials who lobbied for keeping the ordinance as it is.

In another matter, the commissioners honored the 2013 Little League Pennsylvania District 19 champions for their outstanding post-season performance that saw them fall just short of a state title.

Commissioner Mike McCrea said he was president of the league for seven years and he was very proud to see the team going on to an amazing run.